My grandfather started off each day with half a grapefruit, a banana and 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. He said it was his secret to longevity. And, considering that he lived to the age of 94, he must have been doing something right.

We often teased him about the apple cider vinegar, but he stuck to his guns. He didn’t know what it did, but he was sure it was good for him.

Modern science now has some evidence that backs my grandfather up. Apple cider vinegar breaks down fat, mucous and phlegm that are in the body. This can improve the health and function of the liver, bladder, and kidneys.

It’s also been said that apple cider vinegar can have positive effects on high blood pressure, digestion, riding the body of toxins, preventing diarrhea or digestive upsets.

So maybe my grandfather was on to something. I’m still not ready to drink straight apple cider vinegar, but I will be sure to include more apples in my daily diet.